Method for reinforcing a fibre composite component and a vacuum mat and arrangement for producing a reinforced fibre composite component

Abstract

In a method for reinforcing a fiber composite component for aviation and space flight, a vacuum mat is configured with at least one receiving portion for reproducibly receiving at least one reinforcing element. The at least one reinforcing element is introduced into the at least one receiving portion of the vacuum mat. The vacuum mat with at least one introduced reinforcing element is applied reproducibly in a sealed manner to the fiber composite component to be reinforced to form a mold portion and at least the formed mold portion is cured to connect the at least one reinforcing element to the fiber composite component. The vacuum mat is then removed from the reinforced fiber composite component so that the vacuum mat can be reused.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for reinforcing a fibre composite component for aviation and space flight, with the following method steps:
 configuring a vacuum mat, the vacuum mat comprising:
 at least one receiving portion for receiving at least one reinforcing element, wherein the at least one receiving portion has a recess for receiving the reinforcing element and at least one incision joined to the recess for removal from the mould; 
 a peripherally arranged, self-sealing portion for sealing the vacuum mat from an atmosphere when positioned against an associated contact surface; and 
 at least one contact portion for cooperating with an associated vacuum mat transportation device; 
 
 introducing the at least one reinforcing element into the at least one receiving portion of the vacuum mat; 
 reproducibly applying the vacuum mat with the at least one introduced reinforcing element by the vacuum mat transportation device to the fibre composite component to be reinforced in a sealed manner to form a mould portion, the arrangement comprising:
 a base plate for supporting the fibre composite component to be reinforced; 
 the vacuum mat; and 
 the vacuum mat transportation device with at least one gripper for cooperating with the at least one corresponding contact portion on the vacuum mat to transport the vacuum mat with at least one introduced reinforcing element into a predetermined position relative to the fibre composite component to be reinforced; 
 wherein the base plate and the vacuum mat transportation device have mutually corresponding centring element for a reproducible positioning of the vacuum mat relative to the fibre composite component to be reinforced and the base plate and the vacuum mat have mutually corresponding sealing elements for an encircling sealing of the vacuum mat from the atmosphere; 
 
 curing the formed mould portion to connect the at least one reinforcing element to the fibre composite component; and 
 removing the vacuum mat from the reinforced fibre composite component by the vacuum mat transportation device, wherein the incision of the receiving portion is widened and facilitates a gaping of the recess to release the at least one reinforcing element arranged therein. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein when the vacuum mat is removed from the fibre composite component, the vacuum mat is charged with air or a gas. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one reinforcing element is introduced into the receiving portion in an uncured, pre-cured or cured state. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein when configuring the vacuum mat, the recess is provided with at least one incision in the extension of its longitudinal direction for removal from the mould. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein when configuring the vacuum mat, the sealing portion is configured in the form of a V-shaped sunk key. 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein when configuring the vacuum mat, the vacuum mat is provided with at least one closable air supply device. 
     
     
       7. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein when configuring the vacuum mat, the at least one contact portion is arranged on the at least one receiving portion. 
     
     
       8. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein when configuring the vacuum mat, the at least one contact portion is configured with a corresponding rigidity for cooperating with a vacuum gripper of the vacuum mat transportation device. 
     
     
       9. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein when configuring the vacuum mat, the at least one contact portion is configured with a corresponding magnetisable component for cooperating with a magnetic and/or electromagnetic gripper of the vacuum mat transportation device. 
     
     
       10. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein when configuring the vacuum mat, the at least one contact portion is configured with a corresponding engaging element for cooperating with a mechanical gripper of the vacuum mat transportation device. 
     
     
       11. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein when configuring the vacuum mat, the vacuum mat is configured as a reusable silicone vacuum bag.